Host cells and cell banking.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Gene therapy utilizes viral vectors, necessitating production in animal cell lines.
• Clinical-grade viral vectors require production from well-characterized cell banks to ensure patient safety.
• HEK293 cells are widely used for producing various viral vectors due to ease of use and culture flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cell bank characterization for viral vector production.
• To present an overview of cell lines used for producing major viral vectors.
• To highlight alternative cell lines with superior production capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Review of cell bank characterization principles.
• Compilation of publicly available information on cell lines for viral vector production.
• Categorization of cell lines by viral vector type (adenoviral, oncoretroviral, lentiviral, AAV, baculovirus).

Main Results:

• HEK293 cells are common but not always optimal for viral vector production.
• Numerous alternative cell lines exist with enhanced growth and production characteristics.
• Specific cell lines have been successfully employed for clinical-grade viral vector batches.

Conclusions:

• Cell bank characterization is crucial for safe and consistent viral vector manufacturing.
• Selecting appropriate cell lines beyond HEK293 can significantly improve viral vector yield and quality.
• A comprehensive understanding of available cell lines is vital for advancing gene therapy production.